Carl Emerson
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- Dec 18, 2017
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Hi Carl-
I am sympathetic to your concern about commercialization, but any such arguments should be grounded on scripture. There is certainly room to critique all kinds of financial abuses and misuses in modern churches and plenty of Biblical grounds to do so. However, I disagree with your use of the Simon Magus story for two reasons:
First, Peter condemns Simon for wanted to "purchase" the power of the Spirit which is freely given to all believers and whose gifts are apportioned among the church as He wills. It is not about remuneration for service.
Additionally, Paul is clear on several occasions that recompense for certain types of service is not only acceptable but right:
In 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Paul equates ruling elders, especially preachers and teachers, with deserving "double honor" - the equivalent of wages in exchange for labor.
"Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”
To the Corinthians (1 Cor. 9:12-14), although he has never made use of the right, Paul confirms that proclaimers of the gospel deserve to make their living by the gospel (i.e. paid to do it), just like the priests of the temple did.
"Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel."
Yes as Paul said we have put an obstacle in the way of Christ.
I am promoting the better way that Paul committed to.
The way that rewards fruitful service by love not obligation.
We have a model in Acts to journey back to.
Then we will again see folks by the thousands come into the Kingdom.
We must return to this first love.
Blessings,
Carl Emerson.
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